Looking for a unique gift? You may want to take a look at personalized serving platters. These are welcomed by most anyone who cooks, and they make great gifts for many occasions.

Usually functional, platters are a great place to add decorative artwork. They make a great canvas for names, symbols, and other decorative patterns. The spaces around the rim and even in the body of the platter can be used in so many different ways that people often collect them. Some families have a cherished one that is used every year during the holidays, and others have simple versions that work great to tote barbecue food outdoors.

If you want to make family member feel particularly important, you might choose to have his or her name and favorite recipe title included on a platter. What a nice gift to give and to receive this would be. The owner might then use the special platter each time that dish is served.

It is possible to purchase ceramic platters that may be hand painted with any name you like. Some are painted with acrylic paints and must be hand washed to keep the names safe. But there are others which are painted with china paints, fired in a kiln, and then sent to the new owner. Ceramics that are fired will make a permanent personalization, which will not wash off, even in the dishwasher.

Some families decide to create family tree platters. It might be as simple as writing the names and birth dates of each family member, or as elaborate as including characters for each person. Many families choose to keep these as heirlooms, and display them in their dining rooms.

Personalized wedding platters are also a lovely gift for any bride and groom. In terms of messages to add, there are abundant choices. Some couples prefer their names and the marriage date. Others enjoy seeing symbols of love and romance included as part of the personalization. It is also possible to buy platters that guests may sign on the wedding day with a permanent ink pen. All of these tend to become display pieces rather than functional.

Though platters often tend to be on the large side, you can also purchase small ones designed to hold appetizers or party snacks. These may be engraved with the initials of the family that will own them. Usually made of easy to clean plastic or acrylic, these functional platters really allow for easy and casual serving.

The most stylish platters are made in traditional designs out of sterling silver, copper, gold, or pewter. Truly collectible pieces, these engraved platters are wonderful presentation gifts. Over hundreds of years, they have really never gone out of style. Personalized serving platters such as these are often considered to be part of a home filled with hospitality. Giving one is sure to please the lucky recipient.